Linux Development & Programming

Pros

Text editor that improves on Vi editor’s features

Varied uses

Cons

Takes quite a bit of time to learn how to use

Vim is very configurable and has a large number of options to achieve more efficient text editing. Options include a spell checker and auto-complete text; text selection in columns, groups of phrases or blocks; a large number of keyboard shortcuts; and an optional graphical interface, among others.

Easily edit and correct, with help documentation and highlighting

Vim includes full help functions and a syntax highlighting option, depending on the programming language. You can highlight keywords and with the aid of the handy help documentation, work out how to use each feature.

Different modes

Vim has a number of different work modes, each with its own characteristics depending on your needs. The command mode is the most ‘normal’, which is preset by default. Other modes include insertion, visual, selection, and ex command line.

Multiple windows

Vim lets you use multiple windows and navigate between different tabs. Being able to use multiple windows allows you to compare files more easily: having the same file in two windows can help you more easily identify and highlight differences between the two.

SUMMARY

Vim is a new and improved version of the Vi text editor, with more options and features.